[Exclusive]'Hawasoo' PD: "Park Myung-soo ♥ Jung Jun-ha, 'Infinite Challenge' 13-year chemistry lives up to its name... Jung Hyung-don and Haha will reunite" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The legendary variety show MBC's 'Infinite Challenge' (hereinafter 'Infinite Challenge') concluded in 2018, yet its lingering impact remains strong even after eight years. YouTube has served as an effective archive, allowing not only fans of the show but also younger generations who never watched it to fully enjoy the laughter from that era. This nostalgia was felt not just by viewers; former 'Infinite Challenge' leaders Park Myung-soo and Jung Jun-ha have reunited.

Once arch-rivals, the legendary duo 'Hawasoo' has grown over time into a pair who deeply understand each other, developing an affectionate chemistry. Park Myung-soo and Jung Jun-ha then joined forces to launch the YouTube channel 'Hawasoo', a spin-off of 'Infinite Challenge'. The decisive turning point came in April last year when the two reunited for the 20th anniversary of the first broadcast of 'Infinite Challenge'.

The initial project began with an event titled "Nothing Is Missing, Infinite Challenge Live" on Naver's Chzzk channel. Originally a two-part commemorative content for the 20th anniversary of 'Infinite Challenge', it was extended to four episodes due to positive reception. The strong response led to the creation of a segment called "Hwasu Treatment Plant" on MBC's YouTube channel 'Five-Minute Cut'. Later, the even more popular "Hwasu Treatment Plant" became an independent channel under the name 'Hawasoo'.

'Hawasoo' has attracted fans by reimagining familiar 'Infinite Challenge' items in a 2026 version while revealing behind-the-scenes stories from past broadcasts. The two presenters showcase different content every week, including making kimchi pancakes, Park Quiz, Hwasu Sleepover Camp, Gunsan trip, Director Jeong, Coordinator Choi, meeting with Jung Hyung-don, recreating Infinite Company, and updates on legendary ordinary people from 'Infinite Challenge'. Among these, the May episode featuring a trip to Gunsan, Park Myung-soo's hometown, sparked widespread interest. Recently, episodes reuniting with Director Jeong and Coordinator Choi after 16 years surpassed one million views, while the episode meeting Jung Hyung-don reached two million views, solidifying the channel's position.

Now over a year into its run, 'Hawasoo' has taken a brief break and is scheduled to release Season 3 on the 1st. Content will be released every Saturday at 6:25 PM, matching the original broadcast time of 'Infinite Challenge'.

StarNews spoke with MBC PD Yoo Gi-rim, who directs 'Hawasoo', about various aspects of the project.

-PD, please introduce yourself and share your previous directing works.

▶Hello, I am PD Yoo Gi-rim. I began by planning and producing the 20th anniversary commemorative project for 'Infinite Challenge'. This led to working with senior Park Myung-soo on an 'Infinite Challenge' history unboxing segment on the 'Five-Minute Cut' channel, collaborating with senior Jung Jun-ha and others on Naver Chzzk live broadcasts, and eventually launching the YouTube channel 'Hawasoo'. Previously, as a radio PD, I launched "God Seven Young-jae's Close Friend", and directed "Jeon Hyo-sung's Dreaming Radio", "Idol Radio", and "Idol Radio Live in Seoul".

-'Hawasoo' content originally started as the 'Hwasu Treatment Plant' segment on MBC's 'Five-Minute Cut' last year, but due to positive reception, it became an independent channel. As a spin-off of 'Infinite Challenge', how are you defining its items and identity?

▶I never expected that a one-time project would expand this much. It has reminded me once again how much love the 'Infinite Challenge' IP has received from so many people. However, our planning intention has remained consistent: to create gift-like content for fans who miss 'Infinite Challenge' even after its conclusion. We are maintaining the identity of a spin-off by focusing on the 'Hawasoo' chemistry and through interviews and items related to 'Infinite Challenge'.

-How did Park Myung-soo and Jung Jun-ha come together?

▶We conducted various projects to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 'Infinite Challenge', including a Naver Chzzk live broadcast. The senior 'Hawasoo' duo boasts unique chemistry and influence. For instance, when two friends have a bickering relationship, people say they are "like Hawasoo," and this expression is almost used as a common noun. We proposed creating content starring the senior 'Hawasoo' members, believing it would appeal not only to existing 'Infinite Challenge' fans but also to the younger generation of fans who grew up watching the show.

-Park Myung-soo and Jung Jun-ha have different personalities, yet in what way do you think their chemistry is perfect and makes them the ultimate duo?

▶The senior 'Hawasoo' members seem to possess an unparalleled chemistry that fits perfectly. Just like the moment Park Myung-soo slaps Jung Jun-ha's cheek, they have unique repertoires that make audiences burst into laughter. Whenever they read each other's expressions and create a seamless harmony at those moments, I feel it can only be done by 'Hawasoo'. It is not an amateurish harmony but one forged over 13 years of 'Infinite Challenge'. Especially when running segments with the Infinite Company concept on the 'Hawasoo' channel, whenever senior Jung Jun-ha's highly immersive acting blends with senior Park Myung-soo's quick-witted ad-libs, I often think their reputation is truly well-deserved.

-What is MBC's internal evaluation of 'Hawasoo'?

▶Through the 'Hawasoo' channel, we are once again confirming the power of the strong IP 'Infinite Challenge'. There are also synergistic effects in terms of IP business, such as collaborations with Infinite Company T-shirts and hamburger brands.

-Since the first content, the 'Hawasoo' live broadcast last April, over a year has passed since this content began production. Please share some memorable episodes you've released so far and the reasons why they stand out.

▶The episode where we had a live broadcast with senior Jeon Jin and the Gunsan trip episode are particularly memorable. In the case of senior Jeon Jin, he has never participated in 'Hawasoo' content with the senior 'Hawasoo' members using 'Infinite Challenge' as a theme since the show ended. We thought fans would enjoy seeing a group photo if possible. Indeed, the "first three-shot in 15 years" drew great interest, and the chemistry among the three on set was excellent, making it even more memorable. If there is a New Zealand episode in 'Infinite Challenge', we have the Gunsan trip episode for 'Hawasoo'. The Gunsan trip episode also served as the turning point that saved the 'Hawasoo' channel from crisis, and it was a meaningful episode where we could capture the senior 'Hawasoo' members enjoying themselves comfortably. We aimed to show them traveling without the burden of having to host or be funny, and I believe our intention came through well.

-'Infinite Challenge' fans continue to offer strong support. What are some memorable comment reactions regarding 'Hawasoo'?

▶I often see comments like "Hawasoo needs to succeed..." It seems that 'Infinite Challenge' fans who want to keep watching the senior 'Hawasoo' members have expressed their wish for the 'Hawasoo' channel to continue growing and thriving. I found it somewhat bittersweet (or touching) that they view it this way, which also made me feel a bit emotional. We would like to convey that we share the same feelings.

-From Shin Hwa's Jeon Jin who appeared early in 'Hawasoo' content to recent appearances by Coordinator Choi, Director Jeong, and Jung Hyung-don, many beloved 'Infinite Challenge' members have joined. How did these appearances come about? Please share any behind-the-scenes details.

▶Recruiting Coordinator Choi was not easy. Since he has not been active in recent broadcasts, it was difficult to track his current status. Our writers searched for him and eventually found where he works, allowing us to contact him. After securing his participation, all staff worked hard to stage a surprise appearance without the senior 'Hawasoo' members knowing. When we reunited with Coordinator Choi, all the senior 'Hawasoo' members were genuinely surprised, and they continued to express their joy for a long time even after filming ended.

-There are many expectations for the appearances of major 'Infinite Challenge' members Yoo Jae-suk, Noh Hong-chul, Haha, and Hwang Kwang-hee. Are there any future plans to recruit them?

▶Senior Haha is scheduled to appear on the 'Hawasoo' channel in August.

-What are the goals of 'Hawasoo'? Are there any future visions you would like to showcase?

▶We are gradually becoming a real variety YouTube show with weekly format changes, similar to 'Infinite Challenge'. We are working on solving the challenge of finding our own unique color by fully utilizing the chemistry of the senior 'Hawasoo' members. As a spin-off content, we hope it becomes an opportunity for many people to cherish memories of 'Infinite Challenge' for a long time without damaging the excellent IP of 'Infinite Challenge'.

-What criteria or motto do you use when producing content?

▶My motto since my days as a radio PD has been to make people like things they already enjoy even more. I hope the 'Hawasoo' channel can deepen the affection of both the senior 'Hawasoo' members and those who love 'Infinite Challenge'. Additionally, we always keep entertainment in mind. Although the meaning of fun may vary for each person.

-Is there anything you would like to say to 'Hawasoo' subscribers and viewers?

▶All production staff are dedicating their utmost effort to create 'Hawasoo' content. We would be grateful if you could watch the growth process of the 'Hawasoo' channel with kindness. Thank you sincerely for spending your precious time watching our content. We would also appreciate it if you could spread the word widely among your friends and acquaintances.

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*This content was translated by AI.